News and Updates
Transistioning of MWRI IACUC Protocols to Pitt IACUC Protocols
As a result of the subcontracting requirement of faculty salaries to the University of Pittsburgh, all MWRI animal protocols will have to be administered by the University of Pittsburgh’s Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC). Therefore all MWRI IACUC protocols will all eventually be reviewed and must be approved by Pitt’s IACUC.
Small Animal (Rodent User) Training Module - Now Available on the Web
The required training for investigators employing small animals (rodents) in their research or teaching is now available online, at the Internet-Based Studies in Education and Research website. To access this training, go to: http://cme.hs.pitt.edu, and click on the “Responsible Conduct of Research” folder. The rodent user training is titled “Small Animals Research and Training”.
Certification of Gas Anesthesia Equipment and Monitoring Equipment
The IACUC has recently changed its policy involving certification and calibration of gas anesthesia equipment. The major changes are as follow:
- Certification and calibration of the equipment is now required every 2 years, unless the manufacturer suggests more frequent inspections. Formerly, annual inspections were required.
- Certification should include an inspection of the entire anesthetic machine, not just the vaporizer.
The IACUC mailing of Nov. 17, 2006 highlighted key elements of the policy. The complete revised gas anesthesia policy can be found on the IACUC webpage in the Policies section.
Cross Trafficking and Rodent Biosecurity at the University of Pittsburgh
The DLAR would like to remind investigators who are in contact with rodents at other campuses that strict adherence to the guidelines would considerably reduce the risk of pathogen spread between facilities.
IACUC Contact Information
| IACUC Office | 412-383-2008 | iacuc@pitt.edu |
| Frank Jenkins, Ph.D., IACUC Chair | 412-623-3233 | fjenkins@pitt.edu |
| Ed Kennah, Ph.D., IACUC Office Director | 412-383-2014 | ekennah@pitt.edu |
| Julie Cursi, IACUC Training Coordinator | 412-383-1737 | cursija@upmc.edu |
Other Contact Information for Animal Users
| Division of Laboratory Animal Resources | 412-648-8950 | dlar@pitt.edu |
| Environmental Health & Safety | 412-624-9505 | www.ehs.pitt.edu |
| Work Partners (Treatment for Animal-Related Injuries) |
412-647-3695 | |
| Radiation Safety Office | 412-624-2728 | www.radsafe.pitt.edu |
| Recombinant DNA Office | 412-383-1768 | rdna@pitt.edu |
Mission
The University of Pittsburgh Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) oversees the university's animal programs, facilities and procedures insuring the appropriate care, use and humane treatments of animals being used for research, testing and education. The IACUC serves as a resource to faculty, investigators, technicians, students, staff, and administrators, providing guidance in fulfilling the obligation to plan and conduct all animal use procedures with the highest scientific, humane, and ethical principles.
IACUC Information Handout
IACUC Presentation: "Preparing your Lab for An IACUC or AAALAC Inspection"
This presentation may be viewed in its original Powerpoint format or as a PDF File
Search the IACUC Web Site